WAC 468-200-120
Qualifications of search and rescue
emergency workers. Personnel will complete training
administered or approved by the aviation division prior to
engagement in any search and rescue activities conducted in
accordance with chapter 47.68 RCW, this chapter, the state
comprehensive emergency management plan (regarding air
operations) or the state and regional disaster airlift plan
(SARDA).
(1) The following are the basic qualifications for
administrative support search and rescue emergency workers:
(a) Be physically and mentally fit for the position
assigned.
(b) Possess knowledge and the skills required of air
search and rescue support workers.
(c) Possess knowledge of the incident command system and
how the system works.
(d) Possess knowledge of the records and forms necessary
to administer a major air search operation, including all
forms used to identify the mission, track personnel,
equipment, and assignments.
(e) Possess knowledge of the various state laws, plans,
and procedures used in the conduct of emergency air
operations.
(f) Possess knowledge of the requirements utilized in
briefing search participants.
(g) Possess knowledge of the requirements and procedures
utilized to select and dispatch emergency workers.
(h) Possess knowledge of dealing with the media, news
releases, and information flow.
(i) Possess basic knowledge of the various types of maps
used in air search and airborne disaster relief.
(j) Possess knowledge and training in dealing with family
members of individuals in distressed situations.
(k) Possess knowledge in specific incident command system
job descriptions that the individual is assigned to perform.
(2) The following are the basic qualifications for
communications personnel:
(a) Be physically and mentally fit for the position
assigned.
(b) Possess the knowledge and skills required of air
search and rescue support workers.
(c) Possess knowledge of the incident command system and
how the system works.
(d) Possess knowledge of the various forms used in the
incident command system with particular skills in those forms
having to deal with communications.
(e) Possess knowledge of the various state laws, plans,
and procedures used in the conduct of emergency air
operations.
(f) Possess a Federal Communications Commission radio
license for the class and type of equipment operated when the
operation of a radio requires an operator license.
(g) For remote or isolated assignments be registered and
qualified as an emergency worker in accordance with chapter 118-04 WAC or chapter 38.52 RCW.
(h) Possess knowledge in specific incident command system
job descriptions that the individual is assigned to perform.
(3) The following are the basic qualifications for pilots
and observers.
(a) Be physically and mentally fit for the position
assigned.
(b) Possess the knowledge and skills required of air
search and rescue support workers.
(c) Possess knowledge of the incident command system and
how the system works.
(d) Possess knowledge of the various forms used in the
incident command system with particular skills in those forms
having to deal with air operations.
(e) Possess knowledge of the various state laws, plans,
and procedures used in the conduct of emergency air
operations.
(f) Possess knowledge in specific incident command system
job descriptions that the individual is assigned to perform.
(g) Possess knowledge and have training in the following
aircrew specific items:
1. Search patterns and electronic search
2. Universal map system (UMS)
3. Navigation and position determination
4. Aircrew coordination
5. Communications procedures
6. Coordination with ground teams
7. Flight line operations
8. Weather
9. High altitude and terrain considerations
10. Mountain flying
11. Scanning techniques
12. Sighting characteristics
13. In-flight emergencies
14. Off-field landings
15. Survival, first aid, and safety
16. Flight plans
17. Incident Forms
18. State and regional disaster airlift (SARDA) and
disaster relief plans
19. Reimbursement procedures
20. Dealing with the family and the press.
(4) In addition to the knowledge and skill requirements
of 3 above, pilots must meet the following qualifications and
skill levels.
(a) Hold a private pilots license or above issued by
Federal Aviation Administration.
(b) Hold a current and valid medical certificate issued
by a Federal Aviation Administration authorized Airman Medical
Examiner (AME).
(c) Meet all recurrency/currency of flight and other
restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration.
(d) Have logged at least two hundred hours of total
flight time for flat land (altitudes below five thousand feet)
search pilot operations. Have logged at least five hundred
hours of total flight time for all other search and rescue
assignments.
(e) Have completed flight training with a search pilot
instructor appointed or approved by the aviation division.
(5) Ground electronic beacon (emergency locator
transmitters and emergency position indicating radio beacon)
direction finding personnel will receive training and
demonstrate proficiency in the principles of emergency beacon
transmitters, proper procedures for direction finding (DF) and
legal responsibilities. The training shall consist of at
least the following:
(a) Principles of transmission, causes of distortion,
interference, and blockage of signals.
(b) DF principles involving hand-held direction finders
as well as working with only radio receivers.
(c) Interferometer method of DF.
(d) Map reading and interpretation.
(e) Legal responsibilities and restrictions upon finding
a transmitter.
(f) When required be qualified and registered in
accordance with chapter 118-04 WAC.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 47.68 RCW. 96-02-067 (Order
160), § 468-200-120, filed 1/3/96, effective 2/3/96.]